5 rules for unincorporated Burlington County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
A residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub in Burlington County is permitted by your municipality's construction official under the NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) - not the county. Any pool holding 24 inches or more of water needs a construction permit. Public/commercial pools are separately regulated by the
New Jersey requires every residential outdoor pool, spa, or hot tub to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high, under the NJ Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC) enforced through the state UCC. The rule is statewide, applied by your Burlington County municipality's construction official.
NJ Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC) Section 305.2.1(1)
The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
Residential pool safety in Burlington County runs on the statewide 48-inch barrier under the NJ Pool and Spa Code. Public and semi-public pools - clubs, hotels, campgrounds, HOA pools - are licensed and inspected each season by the Burlington County Health Department under the Public Recreational Bathing code, N.J.A.C. 8:26.
N.J.A.C. 8:26-3.12 (Fencing and enclosures)
A minimum four-foot high barrier shall be installed around a wading pool. The barrier shall have a self-closing and self-latching gate.
Above-ground pools in Burlington County follow the same statewide NJ Swimming Pool and Spa Code. An above-ground pool wall (or a barrier mounted on top of it) can serve as the required barrier, as long as it meets the 48-inch height standard. You still need a construction permit from your
NJ Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC) Section 305.5
An onground residential pool wall structure or a barrier mounted on top of an onground residential pool wall structure shall serve as a barrier where all of the following conditions are met [including a minimum 48-inch height].
Hot tubs and spas are treated like pools under the NJ Swimming Pool and Spa Code and need a 48-inch barrier - unless the spa or hot tub is fitted with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, in which case the barrier requirement does not apply. Permits still come
NJ Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC) Section 305.1
Where spas or hot tubs are equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346, the areas where those spas or hot tubs are located shall not be required to comply with Sections 305.2 through 305.7.
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